Tag Archives: doing

3 Questions to Strengthen Your Marriage

How can you build a stronger marriage that ultimately glorifies God?

Written by Hope on 09/03/2014
Series: Weekly Devotional
Tags: God, Husband, Jesus, Marriage, Relationships, Wife
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. ” Galatians 5:16

How can you build a stronger marriage that ultimately glorifies God? This week’s questions will guide you toward a stronger godly marriage. And as today’s scripture tells us, it all starts with living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Are We Lovingly Honest with Each Other?
We are called to “speak the truth in love” and grow “in every way more and more like Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15). A healthy marriage is built on mutual trust. Dishonest actions such as keeping secrets, telling partial truths, or hiding information about finances or relationships can hurt your spouse.

If you are concerned or hurt because of dishonesty in your marriage, use the example of Jesus to be lovingly honest with your spouse. Jesus often used scripture to speak the truth to others. Use scripture to remind your spouse of the covenant the two of you made before God and point out the expectations God has for each spouse. By doing this, you aren’t approaching your spouse with your emotions and accusing them, but you are approaching them with the word of God.

2. Are We Forgiving Each Other?
In all close relationships, people will offend each other. But the Bible tells us to “make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.” We must remember that the Lord forgave us, so we must forgive others. (Colossians 3:13)

In strong marriages, forgiveness should be asked for and freely granted. We shouldn’t hold a grudge. Holding a grudge will quickly build an emotional wall between you and your spouse, and worse yet, it will invite Satan into your marriage (Ephesians 4:27)!

3. Are We Defending Each Other?
Speaking badly of your spouse to others can hurt your spouse emotionally and have a negative impact on your relationship with them. Make it your goal never to insult, correct or humiliate your spouse in front of others. This is a direct violation of the commands to love and respect each other.

If you must correct your mate, wait until later when you’re alone. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus says "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense.” Use this example in your marriage by pointing out an offense privately, not in front of other people. Your husband or wife should be able to trust you to be considerate of their feelings.

Pray this week:
That God will help you speak the truth in love.

What are some specific things you can be doing to strengthen your marriage this week? If you're not married, what can you be doing to prepare yourself for marriage? If you're not sure – talk with us and we'll give you ideas!

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member

Jesus said I will build My Church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it

How Does it Work?
Jesus said, "I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" (Matthew 16:18). But how is Jesus building His Church?

Series: New Believers Guide

So how does the Church work? Jesus said, "I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" (Matthew 16:18). But how is Jesus building His Church? Ephesians 4:16 tells us the answer: "As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow." Did you know that you are meant to play a crucial part in God’s family?

"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42

Don't Miss Out!
Imagine for a moment a young boy who never wanted anything to do with his family. He never came out for family dinner, but just ran in his room when he got home from school. He never did any chores around the house, refused to clean his room, and pushed his brother whenever he saw him. In addition, this boy had it in him to become a great soccer player, but he never let his dad teach him how to play. Think of all that child would miss out on! Not to mention how the family would suffer as well.

"Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart." Acts 2:46

Just Like a Family, the Church has a Give-and-Take Relationship
— like how people need the oxygen trees give off and trees need the carbon dioxide people breathe out. Just the same, you need the Church, and the church also needs you. Look at mutual benefits of being in a church:

You are Protected
Just as a house keeps people protected from harm, so God's house keeps Christians safe from false teaching. God gave this instruction to pastors: "So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock — his church, purchased with his own blood — over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders" (Acts 20:28).

You are Taught How to Follow Jesus
1 Peter 2:2-3 says, "Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness." Newborns can’t feed themselves; they need someone to help them. Pastors and teachers help you grow as a Christian as they feed you the spiritual food of the Bible and help you know God better.

You Learn How to Love Your Family
Jesus said, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples" (John 13:34-35). Being part of a church family helps you learn how to love others and their differences and show the love of Jesus to the world.

You Discover and Use Your Gifts
Have you ever had someone tell you that you are good at something you were unaware of? God has given you spiritual gifts, and your church family can help you discover them and learn how to use them. The Bible says, "Since you want spiritual gifts very much, seek most of all to have the gifts that help the church grow stronger" (1 Corinthians 14:12). As you use your gifts, the church is strengthened and grows.

You Need the Church and the Church Needs You
What are the gifts God has given you to build His Church? Maybe you haven't discovered them yet. As you join a spiritual family, you grow as a Christian and help the whole body of Christ to grow as well.

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

 

Watch the video  :   https://youtu.be/pM6Y9VZKmK4

Alan Zibluk Markethive Founding Member